Clemens had a heart for pets

Carolyn Clemens “loved to ride her Harley. Motorcycle riding was her way of having peaceful moments,” said her sister.

Clemens needed those peaceful times.

In 1977, the sisters’ father, Capt. Dennis Lipari of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, was killed while off duty when a gunman opened fire at Omaha’s Club 89. Clemens was 20.

Thereafter, she often spoke publicly for the family.

Carolyn Sue Lipari Clemens died Sunday at her Omaha home, said her sister Toni Jones of Omaha. The 52-year-old Clemens had been diagnosed with lung cancer six weeks earlier, Jones said.

Clemens and Jones had worked together for Westin Hotels in Omaha.

“She was always a leader at work no matter what the job was,” Jones said.

“She was real big into animal rescue and supporting the Humane Society and the ASPCA.”

Clemens’ big heart extended to human beings, too. After her cancer was diagnosed, she had 18 inches of her hair cut off and sent to Locks of Love, Jones said.

The charity uses the hair to make wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.

“She was a very loving, caring, loyal friend,” as well as a sister, Jones said.

Other survivors of Carolyn Clemens include her daughter, Christina Clemens; her longtime companion, Jeff Lewton; sisters Denise Robb and Brenda Walter; a brother, Brian Lipari; and three grandsons. All are of Omaha.

A memorial service for Clemens will begin at 1 p.m. today at Braman Mortuary, 1702 N. 72nd St.

Contact the writer:

444-1165, sue.truax@owh.com